Science teaching - in a public high school but also for the general public
as Astronomy Educator at the Powerhouse Museum at Sydney Observatory and Observatory
and Planetarium at Macquarie University Observatory

When did you first become interested in this career?

I realised in year 10 that I would enjoy teaching science. I thought it would
bring together many of my interests and would be challenging. People encouraged
me to become a scientist or engineer so I took a scholarship with BHP. Illness
forced me to take a break and start again so I went and began studying to
be a science teacher. When I graduated my physical chemistry degree and DipEd
qualified me to teach science, senior physics and senior chemistry. When I
finished uni I took a temporary job teaching science and computing. At the
time I was on the waiting list as a targeted graduate with the NSW DET. I
was soon offered a position at one of the schools I listed I was willing to
teach in. I had already been working at one observatory for a year and soon
started at another. I have chosen to specialise in astronomy education both
at school and with the general public.

What education and training do you have to have for your job?

I have completed my Bachelor of Science then Diploma of Education followed
by a Graduate Certificate in Science (Astronomy)

How long did it take you to get the necessary qualifications?

Bachelor of Science = 3 years
Diploma of Education = 1 year
Graduate Certificate in Science = 1 year
So a total of five years

Science teaching is a very demanding and multi-faceted job. Your subject
matter is constantly evolving. Teaching methodologies and the classroom environment
/ resources are also in constant flux. I call teaching the "bottomless
job" because there is always something you could be doing.
Some of the skills I use daily are communication, teamwork, time management,
computing, mathematics, logical argument, critical evaluation, negotiation,
public speaking, stress management, problem solving, data analysis, research,
conflict resolution, organisation, scientific investigation, management and
observation. Some of the skills that people might not initially think a teacher
uses regularly are entertainment, creativity, motivation, ingenuity, manual
labour, public relations, marketing, artistic expression, networking and debating.

I could work in many science and education related jobs like educational
resource development, corporate IT education, laboratory analysis, astronomical
observatory operator, public outreach, educational management, syllabus development,
science writing and technical writing. Basically teachers become good communicators
and have to manage their time well. They can be employed in many sectors where
their skills will be an asset.

I'm not sure. I have been asking myself whether I would like to move into
a related role or stay strictly in the classroom. This is still a work in
progress. Maybe I'll be a head science teacher in another school?

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name and occupation in the Subject line.